Why Medical Cannabis is Being Prescribed for Pain More Than Ever in the UK

In recent years, there’s been a sharp increase in the number of UK patients turning to medical cannabis to manage persistent pain. For those who’ve found little relief from traditional painkillers or who are fed up with the side effects of opioids and NSAIDs, medical cannabis offers an alternative that is finally being taken seriously by clinicians and regulatory bodies alike.

So, what’s driving this shift? And why is cannabis for pain gaining traction among both patients and prescribers?

A growing need for alternatives

Chronic pain is one of the most common long-term health issues in the UK, affecting millions of people across all age groups. Yet, many traditional treatment options, from over-the-counter drugs to prescription opioids, often fall short, either because they don’t work well enough or because they cause dependency and unwanted side effects.

In this context, medical cannabis has emerged as a promising alternative. With its unique ability to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, cannabis offers a different pathway to managing pain, without the same risks of addiction or liver damage that come with many mainstream drugs.

Shifting public and medical opinion

Medical cannabis was legalised in the UK in 2018, but early access was limited, and doctors were often reluctant to prescribe it. Fast forward to 2025, and things are changing.

There is now growing clinical evidence supporting the use of cannabis for pain management and a wider acceptance of cannabis among healthcare professionals. Specialist clinics have made access easier, and patients are increasingly seeking consultations for a range of conditions, especially when standard treatments have failed.

Conditions driving the rise in prescriptions

While medical cannabis isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, there are certain pain conditions where it’s shown particularly promising results. Here are some of the most common ones:

Cannabis for arthritis

Joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness are all-too-common symptoms of arthritis. For many patients, medical cannabis provides relief when conventional treatments lose their effectiveness. Learn more about how cannabis for arthritis is helping patients regain mobility and reduce daily pain.

Cannabis for migraines

For chronic migraine sufferers, the pain isn’t just physical; it can be completely debilitating. Medical cannabis may help reduce both the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. Read more about cannabis for migraines and how it’s being used as a preventative and rescue treatment.

Cannabis for sciatica

Sciatica pain can be sharp, burning, or radiating, and for some patients, it becomes a long-term battle. Medical cannabis has shown potential in calming nerve-related inflammation. Discover how cannabis for sciatica is being used in personalised treatment plans.

Cannabis for compressed nerves

Nerve compression, such as a pinched nerve in the neck or lower back, can result in chronic pain, numbness, or tingling. Instead of relying solely on surgery or strong pharmaceuticals, more patients are exploring cannabis for compressed nerves as a complementary option.

Easier access, better support

Another reason for the rise in medical cannabis prescriptions is the improved accessibility. Specialist clinics like MARUCANNA are streamlining the process, from assessment to prescription, while also providing professional guidance on dosage, formats, and monitoring.

Patients are no longer left to guess what might work. Instead, they’re offered tailored treatment plans that align with their symptoms, history, and lifestyle.

Final thoughts

The rising use of cannabis for pain in the UK isn’t a trend; it’s a response to a healthcare system that’s been crying out for safer, more effective options. As more clinical data becomes available and stigma continues to fade, expect medical cannabis to become a mainstream part of chronic pain management in the years ahead.

If you’re living with unresolved pain, it might be time to explore whether medical cannabis is right for you.